Everyone loves a good underdog story—except when teams are so dominant that they steamroll through the regular season, leaving everyone else wondering why they even bothered showing up.
These teams didn’t just win, they made winning their everyday job.
Best NBA Seasons By A Team In History
From setting new records to breaking the hearts of the league day after day, these are the top five NBA seasons of all time, where regular-season greatness became an art form.
Championships? Well, most of them got the memo.
1. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls
Record: 72-10
Win Percentage: .878
Championship Won: Yes
Key Players: Michael Jordan (30.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.3 APG), Scottie Pippen (19.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.9 APG), Dennis Rodman (14.9 RPG)
The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are often regarded as the greatest team in NBA history, and with good reason.
They set a then-record for wins in a season with a 72-10 record, which stood for two decades, until it was nroken by #2 on our list.
Led by Jordan with 30.4 points per game, the Bulls were dominant on both ends of the floor.
Scottie Pippen perimeter defense was perhaps the best the league has seen, while Dennis Rodman led the league in rebounding.
The Bulls capped off their historic season with an NBA championship, defeating the Seattle SuperSonics in the Finals.
This team was a defensive juggernaut, allowing only 92.9 points per game.
2. 2015-16 Golden State Warriors
Record: 73-9
Win Percentage: .890
Championship Won: No
Key Players: Stephen Curry (30.1 PPG, 6.7 APG, 5.4 RPG), Klay Thompson (22.1 PPG, 3.8 RPG), Draymond Green (14.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 7.4 APG)
The 2015-16 Golden State Warriors broke the Bulls’ record for the most wins in a season by finishing 73-9, the best regular-season record in NBA history.
Stephen Curry won the NBA MVP regular season award for the second straight year and became the first unanimous MVP in league history, averaging 30.1 points per game and hitting a record 402 three-pointers.
Despite braking regular season records, the Warriors fell short in the NBA Finals, losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a seven-game series after leading 3-1.
3. 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers
Record: 69-13
Win Percentage: .841
Championship Won: Yes
Key Players: Jerry West (25.8 PPG, 9.7 APG), Wilt Chamberlain (14.8 PPG, 19.2 RPG), Gail Goodrich (25.9 PPG)
The 1971-72 Lakers finished the regular season with a 69-13 record and setting an NBA record with a 33-game winning streak that still stands today.
Led by Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, and Gail Goodrich, the Lakers were great on both ends of the floor.
Chamberlain led the defense and waxed the boards, while West and Goodrich provided the scoring punch.
The Lakers capped off their season by winning the NBA championship, defeating the New York Knicks in the Finals.
Their 33-game winning streak remains one of the most remarkable achievements in NBA history.
4. 1996-97 Chicago Bulls
Record: 69-13
Win Percentage: .841
Championship Won: Yes
Key Players: Michael Jordan (29.6 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 4.3 APG), Scottie Pippen (20.2 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 5.7 APG), Dennis Rodman (16.1 RPG)
The Chicago Bulls followed up their historic 72-win season with another dominant run in 1996-97, finishing 69-13.
Once again, Jordan led the way, averaging 29.6 points per game, while Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman provided their usual all-around help.
The Bulls cruised through the playoffs and won their fifth NBA championship, defeating the Utah Jazz in the Finals. Rodman continued his ways on the boards, leading the league with 16.1 rebounds per game.
This season solidified the Bulls as one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.
5. 1985-86 Boston Celtics
Record: 67-15
Win Percentage: .817
Championship Won: Yes
Key Players: Larry Bird (25.8 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 6.8 APG), Kevin McHale (21.3 PPG, 8.1 RPG), Robert Parish (16.1 PPG, 9.5 RPG)
The 1985-86 Boston Celtics are often thought of as one of the best teams in NBA history.
Led by Larry Bird, who won his third straight MVP award, the Celtics finished the regular season with a 67-15 record.
Bird averaged 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game, while Kevin McHale and Robert Parish owned the paint.
The Celtics were a balanced team that excelled on both ends of the floor. They capped off their season by winning the championship, defeating the Houston Rockets in the Finals. This team is remembered for its depth, talent, and basketball IQ, making them one of the all-time greats.
If you love your sports – check out our best NHL dynasties ever, our top 5 NBA defensive teams in history and our free nba tips for those who love a bet.
